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Hope my wife doesn't hear how much I paid for this one. Pours a more darker rose color than a traditional pink. Sparkling clarity. When initially poured left a fizzy pink head but quickly dissipated, but ok for style.

The nose has a sourness that is more along the lines of acetic acid with maybe a slight hint of brett notes. The cherries come out nicely with more of a sweeter marciano cherry with a sweeter tart note. Some lighter woody notes with a light vanilla and oaky finish. Both cherry and woody notes come out more as it warms adding a bit of complexity.

The taste follows suit with a nice blend of cherry and lambic tart. More acetic acid flavor/feel but blends well with the sweeter cherry notes. No really brett flavors as the nose indicated. I would have liked the complexity in the malt. But the fruity notes come out and add their own complexity. They come out more with tart cherry flavor versus sweet. Some really nice winey characteristics with other tropical fruit flavors in the finish. As it warmed though, more port with some woody and complexity in the body. Some minor white pepper notes as well. Interesting to see the change from cool to warm.

The body is dry with a nice tart finish. Very light carbonation as per style. Overall a fun beer for the palate. A lot of hidden descriptors to really enjoy. The cherries real add a depth to this beer. And as the beer warms the wood characteristic add even more complexity and intensity that really a fun beer to drink. Even the wifey enjoyed.

Served In: Bottle

A - Pours a golden body with a big red tint to it. Clean and clear. Head was about a half inch and really fizzy on the pour. There's nothing left though, not even a bubble floating around.

S - Nice funky tartness comes right to the nose without having to even hold the glass to it. Sour cherries are hugely prevelant.

T - Nice sweetness of the fruit starts this off. Light woodiness from the oak. Quick burst of tartness comes in, not overpowering or anything, just smooth and pleasant. Tartness doesn't really hold on, going into more cherry sweetness. Finishes with a bit of lingering tartness left on the tongue.

M - Light bodied with a touch of stickiness to it. Fine, bubbly carbonation.

Overall - Nice brew. Wish it was bottle conditioned so we could see how it would develop. Bit expensive for my tastes.

Price: $28.00 Served In: Pint Glass

Shared a bottle with Joey (thanks for bringing a bottle) and Tony from La Bella's in Chula Vista.

Poured the color of cherry 7-up with some fizzy carbonation. The aroma was of tart cherries, really good cherries, and also lots of vinegar, vinous with wine qualities from the barrels, and the oak coming in near the finish. As the beer warmed up Joey and Tony mentioned it getting some buttery aroma but I didn't detect much, probably drank mine too quickly. The taste was of tart cherries, salt, vinegar and the oak in the finish just like in the aroma.

This is a very good beer and I would love to drink it again but the price is a big setback (around $28 a bottle). I'd say that Alpine did a good job with this beer.

Served In: Pint Glass